For millions of people around the world, the day doesn’t truly begin until they have a caffeinated drink in their hand, and for a good reason. The world moves quickly. From bed to work to the gym and back home, it always seems like there is too much to do and no time at all to actually do it. For this reason, many people turn to caffeine as a stimulant to boost their energy and help them get through the fast-paced days.
If you’re anywhere on the internet, it’s difficult to avoid the topic of matcha. This sweet green tea has risen in popularity over the past year as a satisfying and healthier alternative to coffee. Many people are curious. This tea, which was a niche wellness drink last year, is suddenly on every Instagram feed and every TikTok page. So, if you are wondering whether to swap out your daily dose of coffee for a cup of delicious green tea matcha, here is everything you should know about these two energy-boosting drinks.
Why Matcha Consumption Is Rising Worldwide
Have you noticed how, each morning, more and more people are swapping their coffees for a sugary matcha latte? This green drink can be seen in the hands of teenagers and adults around the world, whether in the classical tea form or as a creamy alternative to coffee. But what’s behind this obsession, and how did it all start?
Green tea matcha comes from Japanese history and tradition. Many people have swapped out their coffee cups for matcha as it is high in antioxidants and, unlike coffee, which can cause jitteriness and anxiety, matcha has a calming effect on the body.
Due to the influence of social media in our daily lives, we often follow the activities of popular celebrities and influencers. The great matcha craze began because ordinary people wanted to eat and live like their favourite online personalities. Health bloggers and influencers first started posting about the drink in the late 2010s. After the pandemic, with the help of TikTok, their promotion of the drink as a ”natural detox” and a healthy source of caffeine gained significant traction.
Today, you will find matcha on every cafe’s menu, from the rural Japanese roads to the bustling streets of New York City. From creamy lattes to foamy teas, matcha is slowly taking over the global beverage market.
What’s the Difference Between Coffee and Matcha?
In many ways, both coffee and matcha are not just drinks. They are status symbols that have evolved into cultural icons. Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia and has been cultivated throughout the ”coffee belt” of the world. Coffee beans thrive in warm, tropical climates, while gentle wind is beneficial for vegetation.
On the other hand, matcha tea is rooted deep in Japanese culture and tradition, especially in the Kyoto region, bringing a blend of umami, sweetness, and earthiness with its history.
Unlike other green teas, matcha contains a higher dose of caffeine. One gram of matcha powder can contain anywhere between 19 and 44mg of caffeine, while a traditional serving of matcha contains about 2 grams of the green powder. Some matcha also contains a combination of caffeine and an amino acid known as L-theanine. These two elements together increase energy levels and focus without giving you the caffeine crash most brewed and machine coffees are known to cause.
A typical cup of coffee can have anywhere between 60 and 140 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand or type of coffee. This significant amount of caffeine can react fast in your body, causing you to feel alert and awake, but it can also lead to an energy crash later in the day.
Why Drink Matcha Instead of Coffee?
If you are exploring the benefits of consuming matcha, or considering swapping your daily dose of coffee for a nice creamy matcha latte, these are some of the health and wellness benefits of matcha that will make you instantly want to try it.
- Better Energy Boost – Unlike coffee and its high concentration of caffeine, matcha doesn’t cause chaos in your body. The caffeine contained in matcha is blended with L-theanine, slowing caffeine absorption in your body and removing the shakiness and buzz a cup of coffee causes.
- Brighter Smile – Because matcha contains a high level of catechin, which acts as a sterilising agent, it can ward off bacteria from your teeth and make them glow bright white.
- Better Skin – Green tea is a popular ingredient in many skincare products, but the best way to incorporate green tea into your skincare is to drink it. Based on countless studies, green tea matcha may play a role in preventing cancer, hair loss, and even aging.
- Three-Step Making Process – It’s way easier to make and serve tea than coffee. Just scoop two teaspoons of matcha, add some hot water, and whisk! Of course, you can add a sweetener of your choice and some milk to top it all off, but traditional matcha making just requires the first three steps.
The Health Benefits of Matcha: What You Should Know
There is a reason why matcha first gained popularity amongst health bloggers and fitness influencers. Its accessibility and numerous health benefits make it an easy way to consume a healthy caffeinated drink, while your body still gets some essential nutrients.
Matcha is rich in natural antioxidants. Antioxidants can help stabilise harmful compounds that can damage cells and even lead to long-term chronic diseases. Incorporating a cup of matcha into your daily routine can reduce damage to your cells and even significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer and chronic illnesses.
Some studies have also shown that matcha can protect the liver. Matcha can benefit people suffering from nonalcoholic liver disease by reducing liver enzymes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both matcha and coffee are great ways to start your day. However, there are significantly more health benefits to consuming matcha than regular coffee drinking. Matcha is a great antioxidant that can help cleanse your body of toxins and harmful substances, while still providing the energy boost you need to get through the day. At the end of the day, you don’t have to quit coffee to start drinking matcha. Start your day with your regular cup of coffee and switch to green tea later in the day. This way, you get double the benefits and twice the flavour.
